Reviews
Album Review: Samory I hits hard with powerful second album “Strength”
Poetically insightful lyrics, true to roots reggae music and authentic riddims aided by a rich ensemble of talent who have crafted an impactful piece of musical art. Samory I’s “Strength” uplifts me in every track, the impeccable beats in each song complimenting the soulful poetic lyrics.
Album Review: Passafire’s “Remember A Time” exhibits the band’s range with a medley of melodies and rhythmic grooves
Passafire’s eighth studio album “Remember A Time” flaunts their versatility with a variety of reggae infused beats spanning the nine song album. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Passafire brings a mix of sounds to my ears, living up to their reputation for their genre-defying approach to music.
Album Review: Rising Tide's "Pixel Prison" sets us on a journey to unify
Bopping around the chilly winter streets with Rising Tide’s new album, “Pixel Prison”, is warming my ears and putting a spring in my step. The album itself is a trippy reggae-dub, soul-jazz fusion, best listened to in order, one song after the other like the days of old.
Album Review: Drop everything and listen to Cas Haley’s “Boots Rock Reggae, Vol. 1”
Drop everything and listen to Cas Haley’s “Boots Rock Reggae, Vol. 1”! Haley is one of the most talented musicians in today’s music world and this review is way over due! Haley brilliantly connects reggae, country and rock in this must-listen gem of an album!
Album Review: Stephen Marley embraces his legacy with Old Soul
Reggae music is good music, and it’s always a gift when a member of the Marley family puts more of it out into the world. Stephen “Raggamuffin” Marley has made another fantastic album that creates a very sincere listening experience; a unique view of his world in a musically unplugged setting. If you haven’t already, give it a listen today!
Album Review: Chardel Rhoden shines so bright in “Growth”
Chardel Rhoden shines so bright in the singer-songwriter’s amazing new album, “Growth”. The album showcases the artist’s heart, stellar vocals and wisdom.
Album Review: It’s time to go Daytrippin with Iration’s eighth studio album!
After months of being teased with top-notch singles, the highly anticipated new Iration album, Daytrippin, is officially here and it's just as good as you’d expect. I have to say, the vibe of Daytrippin is very reminiscent of a younger Iration, and I can’t get enough of it. Not to discount anything in their discography, but it sounds a lot more like the band I fell in love with almost 15 years ago. Read the review now!
Album Review: Collie Buddz insists you kick back and celebrate life with the new album, Take It Easy
Keepin’ those summer vibes alive, Collie Buddz is here to share his fourth studio album with the world. Take It Easy is a fusion of that island-vibe reggae he’s known for, swirled with a mix of dancehall and hip-hop flavor to spice up your playlist.
Album Review: Buju Banton proves once again he is “BORN FOR GREATNESS”
Jamaican superstar Buju Banton proves once again he is “BORN FOR GREATNESS” in the artist’s latest album. Banton sings with such a soulful voice, and he is an amazing lyricist / storyteller. This album’s production is top notch across the board.
Album Review: “Pink Skies” by Gus Walker shares a message of hope while painting a beautiful picture
Based in The Netherlands, singer-songwriter Gus Walker shares a message of hope while painting a beautiful picture in the fantastic new album, “Pink Skies”.
Album Review: Common Kings invite you to party down with CELEBRATION!
The ultra-smooth Orange County quartet known as Common Kings are back to put their signature island vibes into the pop-reggae scene with a brand new album fittingly titled CELEBRATION. Almost two years in the making and filtered down from an incredible 120 songs to just 12, CELEBRATION aims to get you in the mood to shake around and sing aloud!
Album Review: Revisit the emo years with Nathan Aurora’s Pop Punk Goes Reggae!
The well anticipated arrival of Pop Punk Goes Reggae will hit you right in the nostalgic feels. I’m sure not many reggae fans started off as reggae fans, especially if you can sing along with every song on this album.
Album Review: “Africa Unite” is another reminder of the genius of Bob Marley
“Africa Unite” is another reminder of the genius of Bob Marley. The album pairs Bob Marley & The Wailers classics with extremely talented African artists of today’s scene and the new takes on these classics are so fun to listen to and vibe with.
Album Review: Bumpin Uglies strips it all off with “Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions”
Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions is a carefully curated collection of BU past favorites plucked from albums across its discography, supplemented by a handful of new recordings to get lost in for the first time. The previous releases have been completely stripped of their former sounds and replaced by Hardesty’s full and unabated angst, joy and emotional outbursts; a soulful display of what seems to be overflowing from the locked box on top of his shoulders.
Album Review: Blvk H3ro’s road to superstar status is on full display in “On A Mission”
Blvk H3ro’s road to superstar status is on full display in “On A Mission”, and I love so many aspects of the album - from the storytelling, H3ro’s vocals, and the incredible production. H3ro has the energy, humble yet confident swag, and songwriting chops to continue his international growth in a major way.
Album Review: Bobby Hustle is far beyond a “Proof of Concept”
Bobby Hustle is far beyond a proof of concept. Although I appreciate the talented MC’s humility, I’d describe Hustle as a force to be reckoned with in the best way possible. He is releasing some of the best reggae meets hip hop music on the planet and deserves an even bigger audience, and the artist’s new album, “Proof Of Concept” is a beautiful collection of new music spotlighting his songwriting, energy and passion.
Album Review: The Elovaters showcase incredible talent and vision in “Endless Summer”
Every once in a while, there’s an album created that’s just full to the brim with tracks that could easily be top notch singles, every last one of them, as if it were a “greatest hits” compilation. The Elovaters have decided to drop an album that lives up to that exact description!
Album Review: Get back in the saddle with “Maoli Music Overload”
Three years after their last album, Maoli is back with a family-sized helping of new music to binge on, bringing a fresh spin to their already impressive sound. “Maoli Music Overload” is a massive, nineteen-song album that effortlessly touches many of your favorite genres, all fused up and reimagined with an island vibe.
Album Review: “Look How Long” by Kava Jah and The Remedy is among the best roots reggae albums of 2023
“Look How Long” by Kava Jah and The Remedy is among the best roots reggae albums of 2023. Kava Jah is an extremely Jamaican talented singer-songwriter and musician and he puts his all into this absolutely beautiful album.
Album Review: Micah Shemaiah’s uplifting spirit is in full display in “Jamaica Jamaica”
Micah Shemaiah’s uplifting spirit is in full display in “Jamaica Jamaica”. The album opens with the powerful title track, which calls out the need for Jamaica to come together to better address societal issues. You can hear the urgency in Shemaiah’s voice over the riddim and it definitely catches the listener’s ear.